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SD 1866

Resolve directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a highway noise study in the town of Foxborough

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

directs MDOT to conduct a formal acoustical study of ambient I-495 noise in Foxborough to inform future mitigation options.

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Bill Summary · SD 1866

Overview

SD 1866 (Senate Docket No. 1866; Senate No. 2389) is a proposed Massachusetts Senate resolve directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) to conduct a highway noise study in Foxborough. The bill is a directive rather than an appropriation or new statutory program.

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1866; accompanying Senate Resolve No. 2389)
  • Status: Proposed bill (as of the documents provided)
  • Principal sponsor: Senator Paul R. Feeney

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to obtain a formal, technical assessment of ambient highway noise generated by traffic on Interstate 495 in a defined Foxborough area. The study’s purpose is to measure current noise levels and inform future decisions or mitigation considerations related to traffic noise impacts on nearby neighborhoods.

Key Provisions

  • Directs MDOT to conduct a comprehensive noise study along the northbound and southbound sides of Interstate 495 in Foxborough, specifically adjacent to the South Grove and Grove Street neighborhoods.
  • Study scope: To determine ambient noise levels generated by existing I-495 traffic.
  • Methodology: The study must be conducted by an acoustical engineer employed by or on behalf of MDOT.
  • Reporting: The study results and any department recommendations must be filed with:
    • The chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation
    • The clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate
  • Deadline: The final report and recommendations must be submitted on or before June 1, 2026.
  • Legal framework: The resolution states “notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,” giving MDOT authority to proceed with the study as directed.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) would be responsible for carrying out the study and hiring the acoustical engineer.
  • Residents of Foxborough, particularly those in the South Grove and Grove Street neighborhoods near I-495, who may experience highway noise impacts.
  • Massachusetts Legislature, via the Joint Committee on Transportation, which would receive the study and recommendations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Filing and sponsor: Filed January 16, 2025; petition by Paul R. Feeney.
  • Study period: Conducted over the period leading up to the reporting deadline.
  • Reporting deadline: June 1, 2026.
  • Nature of measure: A Senate Resolve directing an agency action rather than enacting new laws or funding.

Potential Impact

While the bill does not authorize funding or specific mitigation measures, the resulting study could inform future policy options, mitigation programs, or traffic-noise interventions for the Foxborough area based on measured ambient noise levels and engineering assessment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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